Warning
There are a number of conditions, including improper control settings, which could result in
elevated tank temperatures from
any
type of water heater. An overheating hazard can result,
potentially causing serious personal injury and/or property damage.
IBC recommends as a minimum precaution, installing a point of source ASSE 1017 approved
thermostatic mixing valve on the outlet of the water heater. Local jurisdictions may require more
comprehensive protective measures depending on the place of installation (that is, schools,
nursing homes, etc.). Consult local authorities for direction.
2.6 Additional recommended components
1.
Shut-off valves
- Allow the isolation of the water heater from the boiler system during service.
2.
Tank drain valve
- Install at the bottom of the water heater to allow for servicing and draining of the
water heater.
3.
Unions
- Allow for easy locating or removal.
4.
Vacuum breaker
- Protects the water heater from collapse if a hot tank is valved off to service other
components in the system.
5.
Thermal expansion tank
- If the water heater is installed in a closed water supply system, such as a
system having a back flow preventer in the cold water supply line, the installation of a thermal
expansion tank is required.
6. Refer to
for suggested external components.
2.7 Removing the existing domestic water heating system
If the IBC water heater is being installed in an older hydronic system that does not use an IBC boiler:
External Tankless Heater.
Disconnect all lines to the boiler and plug the boiler fittings. Disconnect
the external heater from the boiler piping and from the domestic piping systems.
Internal Tankless Heaters.
Disconnect the domestic piping. Do not plug the cold water or the hot
water fittings in the internal tankless coil. Leave the coil in the boiler with the cold and hot water
fittings open to prevent pressure build-up in the coil.
Caution
When removing any fuel burning appliance from a common venting system, the opening must be
properly sealed off including remaining appliances still using the common venting system, the
vent must be examined to ensure that it is not over-sized as a result of having removed the old
water heater.
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2.6 Additional recommended components